CASTLETON, VT – Senior guard, Jessica Banks scored her 1,000th career point as Castleton defeated University of Maine at Farmington 64-49 in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) women’s basketball action at Glenbrook Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.
Mary Nienow found Banks open with 16:48 remaining in the first half for a three-point field goal that gave Castleton a 7-4 lead and Banks her 1,000th career point. Banks had assisted on Nienow’s 1,000th on Tuesday, with Nienow returning the favor in the duo’s 100th game together.
The Spartans never relinquished the lead from that point on, extending to an 18-4 lead on a Christine Jaques jumper with 12:20 remaining in the half. Castleton led by as many as 19 with 2:26 in the opening half and settled in for a 41-24 lead at intermission.
Farmington made a push during the second half and cut the lead to 13 on a pair of Michelle Paul free throws with 13:50 remaining, but Castleton answered with a 9-2 run and led 54-34 two minutes later.
Laura Cary pumped in 10 of her game-high 14 points in the second half as Castleton improves to 10-8 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Banks added 10 points and seven assists, while Nienow chipped in 10.
Erin Porter led the 9-9 (7-1 NAC) Beavers with 13 points, while Caitlyn Laflin added 10.
Both teams return to action Tuesday evening as Farmington plays host to Husson and Castleton travels to Johnson State. Both games are slated for 7:30 pm tip-off.
